2 Mercer football games to air on 2014 SoCon package

2 Mercer football games to air on 2014 SoCon package

Mercer has two football games scheduled to be broadcast live as a part of the Southern Conference’s 2014 television package that was released on Thursday.

MACON, Ga. (MERCER ATHLETICS RELEASE) — Mercer has two football games scheduled to be broadcast live as a part of the Southern Conference’s 2014 television package that was released on Thursday.

The Bears’ first game as a member of the SoCon will kick-off the league’s television package on ESPN 3, as they host Furman at Mercer University Stadium on September 6. Mercer will also be featured on the American Sports Network (ASN), an initiative launched by the Sinclair Broadcast Group, on October 25, when it travels to Chattanooga.

“This is the most robust TV package Southern Conference football has enjoyed in quite some time,” said Commissioner John Iamarino. “We’ll have at least one game broadcast in 11 of the 12 weeks during the season, and several dates will feature two games. We’re very pleased to continue our relationship with ESPN and launch a new one with the American Sports Network.”

Darren Goldwater returns to handle primary play-by-play duties for the league’s broadcasts. The 2014-15 year will mark Goldwater’s fourth year on the Conference package after three years as director of broadcasting and play-by-play announcer for The Citadel.

Former NFL linebacker Corey Miller will handle the color commentary duties. Miller, who currently serves as sports anchor and host with WACH-TV in Columbia, S.C., played collegiately at the University of South Carolina before spending nine years with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings.

ESPN3 is available in approximately 75 million homes to fans who receive their Internet connection from an affiliated service provider. The network is also available at no cost to 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel. ESPN3 programming is also available to subscribers through Xbox LIVE and through the free WatchESPN app available on smartphones and tablets. The WatchESPN app is also available through Apple TV and Roku video players.

The American Sport Network consists of commercial TV stations owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group and reaches close to 40 percent of all TV households in the United States with 167 stations in 77 markets. A full list of ASN affiliates and a complete list of broadcasts will be finalized as the season draws nearer.